where_away | Handwriting

Stephen said, ‘Will I tell you another of Plato’s observations?’
‘Pray do,’ said Jack, his smile briefly returning.
‘It should please you, since you have a very pretty hand. Hinksey quoted it when I dined with him in London and we were discussing the bill of fare: “Calligraphy,” says Plato, “is the physical manifestation of an architecture of the soul.” That being so, mine must be a turf-and-wattle kind of soul, since my handwriting must be disowned by a backward cat; whereas yours, particularly on your charts, has a most elegant flow and clarity, the outward form of a soul that might have conceived the Parthenon.’ (TC Chapter 6)

This is one of my favourite quotes because I like using fountain pens, dip pens, and inks for writing - a far more civilised method of creating than the utility of a computer keyboard. Sadly however I have far too much affinity with Stephen's handwriting than I would like, although I long to have Jack's 'elegant flow and clarity'. A backward cat would probably laugh at my attempts.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

:D I, too like writing with pen and ink and do so at least specific notes like birthday cards or congratulations.

Because we get a description of Jack's handwriting, I feel that you may like to add the tag 'character info'

It is done!

(I have just ordered some new seals from the USA including a sailing ship! I can't wait to use them when they arrive...)

Oh seals! And with a ship. It would be great if you posted a photo?

I am still missing out on a seal, but I definitely love my caligraphy pen. :D

I'll be very happy to post a picture once it arrives, but in the meantime you can see it here:

http://www.nostalgicimpressions.com/category_s/58.htm

I nearly bought the compass rose as well, but as I had already chosen 4 others (blush!!) I felt I had to draw the line somewhere, particularly as I don't want to get stung with a hefty import duty (although that may still happen...) - I've also gone for the seashell, a peacock, an owl (of course!) and a pineapple ... because I like pineapples! Hugely self-indulgent I'm afraid.

:-)

What a charming online shop! :D

Indeed, the clipper looks wonderful. You must post a photo of its first impression.

I had to laugh at the palm-tree, not because I found it hideous (indeed it is a fine specimen) but because it reminded me of Jack climbing a palm-tree (FSotW, I think) which then swayed under his weight. ;D

Oh I know - I thought the same thing and was severely tempted!

It was FSotW just after they had left the infamous proa - and Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts while he sat below starving pitifully, the poor lamb. (Actually Jack had seen the ship which had driven all other thoughts from his mind of course).

Maybe next year... Still, the pineapple - Jack cutting Stephen slices of pineapple... so many lovely scenes!

*nods*
Reading O'Brian conjures up many unusual connotations, all difficult to explain.

Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts
...on the other hand showing his absolute trust in anything shippy that Jack says. *remembers that Stephen was not astonished when the Surprise boats came to the rescue*

As you say, so many lovely scenes for this comm.

Have just posted the buttercup-yellow hair

'What would be a proper time for this visit?' asked Stephen without the least sign of
having heard but reflecting upon his friend's large, clear, somewhat round and feminine hand, his instant reaction in time of nautical crisis, and his not uncommon ineptitudes.
(chapter five)

:D
Please to add a tag for book: 19(hundred days). Thank you

I will!

somewhat round and feminine hand

This surprised me when I read it - I would never have associated Jack with having a feminine hand... I supppose he may have been taught to write by dear Queenie, but even so... It is an odd comment I feel.

I wonder what O'Brian meant by it. Gentlemen of the time were apparently supposed to prove their gentlemanliness by having illegible handwriting (to prove they were no clerks!), so perhaps "feminine" is just a way of repeating "clear".

That might explain why doctors persist with the notion even today.

*nods*

Meanwhile I am very glad to know that anyone contemplating my handwriting would instantly know therefore I was a gentleman in spirit at least (even though the anatomy refutes it!)

It is traditional.

I was a gentleman in spirit at least
LOL. Goodness knows what anyone would make of mine. That I am about six years old.

Maybe Stephen associates a more feminine hand with something clearer to read, contrary to his own less legible writing?

A typical doctor then?

Still... feminine... midshipman Ophelia frockery aside, it's not really the first word that springs to mind with big, beefy, hearty Jack, is it?

*nods to either*

I know that Stephen admires his friend's handwriting and has complimented him on it before, but feminine? It is an unusual choice of words.

So what does the writer want to tell us?

Handwriting

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More on Jack's handwriting

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Re: More on Jack's handwriting